Feb 18 – Church of God!

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

One of the greatest blessings the Lord gives to His children is the Church of God. It is the Lord’s dwelling place. The gates of Hades can never prevail against the Lord’s church. Those who remain in fellowship with the church, with believers, and with God’s servants will never be shaken.

The Lord gave three promises concerning His church:

1. I will build My church.
2. I will send the Holy Spirit to the church.
3. I will return for My church.

The church can be called the city of God, and also the holy place where the Most High dwells. Scripture says:

“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.” (Psalm 46:4–5)

The Holy Spirit is the river of God. Songs sung in the Spirit during worship, praises offered in the fullness of the Spirit, and the Word preached in the power of the Spirit—all these strengthen and preserve every child of God spiritually.

The Bible also says: “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Revelation 22:1). The God of heaven sends this heavenly river through His church. That river flows to quench the thirst of God’s people and to cleanse them. It flows to refresh, renew, and restore.

Never take the gathering of the church lightly. Let the fellowship of God’s people be a great source of strength to you. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)

When we speak of the church or the temple, it can be understood in two major ways. One is the visible church—the building constructed of stone and mortar, which we call the house of God. The other is the invisible church—the spiritual body of Christ. This is the general assembly of believers whose names are written in heaven, the household of God that unites saints across the world by the Spirit.

Children of God, you must take part in worship at the earthly church and glorify God there. At the same time, rejoice and delight in being part of the unseen heavenly family—the church of the living God. The blessings of the house of God are waiting for you.

Verse for further meditation: “Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.” (Psalm 65:4)